ANF, Science Lab Share Funding
Warren, Pa. – Forest Supervisor Leanne Marten and Forestry Sciences Lab Project Leader Susan Stout said the Allegheny National Forest (NF) and the Forestry Sciences Lab received $3.3 million, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for roads maintenance and decommissioning and associated watershed restoration that were first announced by U. S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 2, 2009. The 106 projects, funded at more than $228 million, are located on Forest Service land in 31 states.
In his announcement earlier this month, Vilsack stated, “These road maintenance projects will provide for public health and safety, resource protection, and access to lands in the National Forests.” Vilsack added, “The rehabilitation of roads will improve water quality by reducing sediment in nearby streams and help to restore natural resources and habitat for fish in areas impacted by deterioration and erosion of road surfaces.”
The Allegheny NF was approved for two roads-related ARRA projects. The first project is $250,000 for signing of forest roads. The second project is $2.7 million for road maintenance in the counties of Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren, and the Timberline ATV Trailhead. This road maintenance will create high-paying, private sector positions in four economically-depressed counties in Pennsylvania. Water quality will be improved and safety of travel will be increased.
The Forestry Sciences Lab was approved for two ARRA projects totaling $400,000; one is roads and the second is roads-related watershed and ecosystem restoration. The first project will repair road damage from the 2003 storm and complete deferred maintenance such as gravel, grading, brushing, and resurfacing. As a companion to the KEF road maintenance project, the second project of road related ecosystem enhancements will include revegetation, replacement of culverts, and creation of site drainages to improve water quality.
“I appreciate that four counties in my District with high unemployment will benefit from this funding,” said U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. “Improving roads in the Allegheny NF is an appropriate use of the money as it improves access to the land for multiple uses like recreation and development.”
The Forest Service manages almost 370,000 miles of roads and 143,000 miles of trails on the 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands across the country. Forest Service roads provide Americans access to these public lands for their livelihoods, daily activities, and enjoyment. A safe and well-managed roads system protects water quality and allows citizens to participate in hiking, touring, wildlife viewing, skiing, fishing, camping, hunting, boating, and many other outdoor activities. The Forest Service’s transportation system is critical to local and regional economies because it is a key infrastructure element that supports businesses and activities that occur within or adjacent to national forests and grasslands.
A diverse set of road maintenance activities will be undertaken through ARRA-funded projects. Road maintenance projects are identified through extensive analysis of resource conditions and public needs. Stabilizing or relocating roads too close to lakes and streams will prevent erosion and protect water quality. Decommissioning roads and restoring native vegetation helps snow and rainfall to be quickly absorbed into the land and reduces erosion and flooding. Individuals hired under ARRA will complete this labor-intensive work through a number of approaches, depending on the specific project area and needs: installing physical barriers at road entrances; replanting road beds; limiting erosion; removing fills and culverts; reestablishing drainage-ways; stabilizing road shoulders; and totally obliterating roads and reshaping roadbeds to match the surrounding area.
In his announcement earlier this month, Vilsack stated, “These road maintenance projects will provide for public health and safety, resource protection, and access to lands in the National Forests.” Vilsack added, “The rehabilitation of roads will improve water quality by reducing sediment in nearby streams and help to restore natural resources and habitat for fish in areas impacted by deterioration and erosion of road surfaces.”
The Allegheny NF was approved for two roads-related ARRA projects. The first project is $250,000 for signing of forest roads. The second project is $2.7 million for road maintenance in the counties of Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren, and the Timberline ATV Trailhead. This road maintenance will create high-paying, private sector positions in four economically-depressed counties in Pennsylvania. Water quality will be improved and safety of travel will be increased.
The Forestry Sciences Lab was approved for two ARRA projects totaling $400,000; one is roads and the second is roads-related watershed and ecosystem restoration. The first project will repair road damage from the 2003 storm and complete deferred maintenance such as gravel, grading, brushing, and resurfacing. As a companion to the KEF road maintenance project, the second project of road related ecosystem enhancements will include revegetation, replacement of culverts, and creation of site drainages to improve water quality.
“I appreciate that four counties in my District with high unemployment will benefit from this funding,” said U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. “Improving roads in the Allegheny NF is an appropriate use of the money as it improves access to the land for multiple uses like recreation and development.”
The Forest Service manages almost 370,000 miles of roads and 143,000 miles of trails on the 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands across the country. Forest Service roads provide Americans access to these public lands for their livelihoods, daily activities, and enjoyment. A safe and well-managed roads system protects water quality and allows citizens to participate in hiking, touring, wildlife viewing, skiing, fishing, camping, hunting, boating, and many other outdoor activities. The Forest Service’s transportation system is critical to local and regional economies because it is a key infrastructure element that supports businesses and activities that occur within or adjacent to national forests and grasslands.
A diverse set of road maintenance activities will be undertaken through ARRA-funded projects. Road maintenance projects are identified through extensive analysis of resource conditions and public needs. Stabilizing or relocating roads too close to lakes and streams will prevent erosion and protect water quality. Decommissioning roads and restoring native vegetation helps snow and rainfall to be quickly absorbed into the land and reduces erosion and flooding. Individuals hired under ARRA will complete this labor-intensive work through a number of approaches, depending on the specific project area and needs: installing physical barriers at road entrances; replanting road beds; limiting erosion; removing fills and culverts; reestablishing drainage-ways; stabilizing road shoulders; and totally obliterating roads and reshaping roadbeds to match the surrounding area.
.jpg)
Comments